The doors of River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation are open to all who would like to share a Sunday morning with us. Our commitment to children, youth, and families is evident in every aspect of the congregati
First Service (9:15-10:20)
Nursery (Infants to Two Years Old)
Nicole Scafone, a professional childcare provider, and adult volunteers create a loving and caring atmosphere for this age group.
2-3 Year Olds – Celebrating Me and My World
This curriculum begins by first celebrating the wondrous qualities of the child, and then extends that appreciation to the people and things around them. It provides positive experiences and opportunities to develop their self-awareness and their sense of trust and connection with all of life.
4-5 Year Olds and Kindergarten – We Are Many, We Are One
This program offers youngsters the opportunity to learn about their religious community and its traditions, and it gives them the freedom to discover and express their uniqueness. Children are encouraged to use their minds, bodies, and emotions to develop their identity and selfesteem.
First Grade – Special Places
Special Places is about the age-old religious concept of “being at home” with nature, oneself, one’s family and friends, and one’s dreams and expectations. Opportunities to talk about important religious issues, including birth and death, are part of this curriculum. The children construct small, large, and giant houses to help them explore the idea of “home.”
Second Grade – Free to Believe
This program nurtures the emotional, social, and spiritual life of children. Through our UU Principles and Sources, they examine values, beliefs, and life’s “big questions.”
Third Grade – Peacemaking
This class learns about how to become peacemakers in our communities, schools, and families. We will cover creative conflict resolution techniques, develop an appreciation for other people's points of view, and talk about how language can be used as a powerful tool for good or for ill.
Fourth Grade – Spirit of Adventure
This curriculum teaches Unitarian Universalist identity through sports, medicine, food, holidays, science, building, exploring, and the Web of Life concept. It involves action, history, discovery, wonder, awe, and blessings.
Fifth Grade – Bibleodeon
Bibleodeon is an experiential program that introduces young Unitarian Universalists to stories from Jewish and Christian texts. It helps students become familiar with The Bible and to obtain a basic understanding of its
history and importance by relating the stories to contemporary life. Thus, students develop an expanded sense of spiritual perspectives and practices.
Sixth Grade – Neighboring Faiths
This class on religious diversity is an introduction to the many faith traditions in our community. The students take field trips to places of worship, reflect on the unique and universal aspects of religious experience and explore their own values and how they relate to other faith traditions.
Seventh & Eighth Grades – Values
Exploring what is important in our lives in a safe and non-judgmental group is the heart of this class. Action, listening, and support are part of each session of this curriculum. The needs and wishes of the students determine the topics, and the group members learn to support one another.
Eighth Grade – OWL (Our Whole Lives)
This curriculum is about sexuality, sex, sensuality, anatomy, friendships, dating, communication, health care, and more. Parental permission is required for this class and parents or guardians must attend a parent/ guardian orientation or meet with the instructors. Regular attendance is required, and the class structure does not permit drop-in visitors.
Middle School Youth Group
This group meets one Sunday a month during regular class time. The program includes social justice projects, group social interaction, and volunteer service for the congregation such as creating the “Haunted House” for the Halloween Party and the “Carnival” during the Fellowship Dinners. OWL participants meet with their regular classes rather than participating in this program.
High School Youth (9 – 12 Grades)
This program’s topics are selected by the youth group at our annual retreat in August. They use a small group ministry model to create a trusting environment for sharing significant aspects of teen life and spiritual development. We alternate between discussing important events and issues and experiencing different spiritual and physical activities. The group has many opportunities to participate in social justice events, service activities, and gather for fun and friendship.
Second Service (11:15– 12:20)
Nursery (Infants to Two Years Old)
Nicole Scafone, a professional childcare provider, and adult volunteers create a loving and caring atmosphere for this age group.
2-3 Year Olds – Celebrating Me and My World
This curriculum begins by first celebrating the wondrous qualities of the child, and then extends that appreciation to the people and things around them. It provides positive experiences and opportunities to develop their self-awareness and their sense of trust and connection with all of life.
4-5 Year Olds and Kindergarten – We Are Many, We Are One
This program offers youngsters the opportunity to learn about their religious community and its traditions, and it gives them the freedom to discover and express their uniqueness. Children are encouraged to use their minds, bodies, and emotions to develop their identity and selfesteem.
First Grade – Special PlacesSpecial Places is about the age-old religious concept of “being at home” with nature, oneself, one’s family and friends, and one’s dreams and expectations. Opportunities to talk about important religious issues, including birth and death, are part of this curriculum. The children construct small, large, and giant houses to help them explore the idea of “home.”
Second and Third Grade – Peacemaking
This class learns about how to become peacemakers in our communities, schools, and families. We will cover creative conflict resolution techniques, develop an appreciation for other people's points of view, and talk about how language can be used as a powerful tool for good or for ill.
Fourth and Fifth Grade – Spirit of Adventure
This curriculum teaches Unitarian Universalist identity through sports, medicine, food, holidays, science, building, exploring, and the Web of Life concept. It involves action, history, discovery, wonder, awe, and blessings.
Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade – Neighboring Faiths
This class on religious diversity is an introduction to the many faith traditions in our community. The students take field trips to places of worship, reflect on the unique and universal aspects of religious experience and explore their own values and how they relate to other faith traditions.
High School Youth (9 – 12 Grades)
This program’s topics are selected by the youth group at our annual retreat in August. They use a small group ministry model to create a trusting environment for sharing significant aspects of teen life and spiritual development. We alternate between discussing important events and issues and experiencing different spiritual and physical activities. The group has many opportunities to participate in social justice events, service activities, and gather for fun and friendship.
Please review our 2009-2010 program for Religious Education for Children & Youth Ministry. The program begins September 20, 2009 and runs through May 23, 2010. Classes are held at both the first (9:15am - 10:20am) and second (11:15am - 12:20pm) services. Register online or pick up a form the next time you are at RRUUC.